The latest research results show that laughing is as effective as artificial tears in treating dry eyes
As autumn approaches, many individuals find their dry eye symptoms worsening. While artificial tears are a typical remedy, researchers at Sun Yat-sen University’s Eye Center are exploring a novel approach known as “Laughter Therapy,” which may serve as an effective alternative. Their findings suggest that daily laughter exercises can alleviate mild to moderate dry eye symptoms, with effects comparable to those of 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops.
In a recent clinical trial, the research team enlisted 299 patients suffering from symptomatic dry eye—none of whom showed severe corneal staining. These participants were randomly divided into two groups; one group received the standard treatment of 0.1% sodium hyaluronate for eight weeks, while the other engaged in Laughter Therapy. This innovative approach involved the participants repeating playful phrases like “hihihi, hahaha, eggplant, seven joys” a total of 30 times, four times a day. The results indicated that Laughter Therapy significantly alleviated symptoms in patients without severe corneal epithelial defects, proving to be just as effective, if not more so, than the eye drops for certain measures.
The idea for this laughter-centric treatment stemmed from earlier observations by the research team, who noted improvements in tear film metrics when individuals smiled. They highlighted that the oil component in tears is crucial for maintaining tear stability.
Professor Liang Lingyi, the deputy director of the Eye Center, elaborated that laughter encourages diaphragm breathing and activates the autonomic nervous system, which plays a key role in stimulating tear production. Moreover, when we laugh, the contraction of eyelid muscles compresses the meibomian glands, aiding in the release of the oil that forms a protective tear layer over the eyes.
Dry eye is among the most prevalent eye conditions worldwide, affecting over 400 million people in China alone. Professor Liang emphasized that factors such as increased screen time, late nights, and extended exposure to air conditioning have contributed to a rise in dry eye cases. Psychological factors, including stress and anxiety, are also closely linked to the condition, with artificial tears typically being the first-line treatment.
As dry eye symptoms often peak in the fall, Professor Liang advocates for a holistic approach, combining laughter exercises with a healthy lifestyle that encompasses regular exercise, hydration, and sufficient sleep. If symptoms continue, he suggests using clinically validated artificial tears or saline eye masks for relief while also promoting oil secretion and tear production through both warm and cool therapies.
This innovative research, recently published in the prestigious medical journal The BMJ, suggests that laughter may be a promising strategy for helping millions manage dry eye. So why not give it a try? Laughter might be just the solution you need.
